21 November 2009

Yes We Can: U.S. Senate Clears Way For Health Coverage Debate

Saturday night's U.S. Senate procedural vote, 60-39, advanced health care reform legislation into a holiday season debate that will be pivotal to winning a universal health care policy. The step to begin debate comes nearly 60 years after President Truman first proposed that health care be a right for all Americans.

Both Senators Dodd and Lieberman were in the affirmative, but Lieberman has vowed to reverse his prior pledges and oppose a public option that Dodd and others say will be a key to competition and lowering excessive costs.

Locally, proponents are urging participation on Tuesday, November 24, 11:30 AM at Joe Lieberman’s office 1 Constitution Plaza in Hartford where the Interfaith Alliance will once again try to deliver the cards of prayers and wishes for health care reform.

To learn more or get involved visit
www.healthcare4every1.org


LWV Sponsors Forum on Newspapers Monday, 11/23

“The Changing Role of Newspapers” will be the topic at a forum organized by the Berlin/New Britain League of Women Voters (LWV) on Monday, November 23, at 7 p.m. at the First Church, 830 Corbin Avenue.

Scheduled to speak are: Matthew Kauffman, award winning investigative reporter from the Hartford Courant; Vivian B. Martin, PhD, Assoc. Prof. of Journalism CCSU and Michael Schroeder, Publisher and Editor of The Herald.

Admission to the forum is free.

DTC Invites Justice of the Peace Nominations

Registered Democrats in New Britain are eligible to be appointed Justices of the Peace. Nominations to fill vacancies in the ranks of JPs are filled at Town Committee meetings with the next meeting scheduled for December 17th.

Justices of the Peace, an elective office for which elections are held every four years in Presidential elections, have general oath giving powers, may take acknowledgments, may join persons in marriage and and make take depositions.

The Town Committee asks that Democrats seeking to become a JP provide evidence of volunteering in their community a minimum of two hours per months. Interested persons may e-mail to newbritaindemocrat@gmail or write NBDTC P.O. Box 2112, New Britain, CT 06050

Community Calendar at DTC website

For announcements, meetings and events visit the Democratic Town Committee Community Calendar at www.newbritaindemocrat.net

End Quote

“Last year 750,000 Americans filed bankruptcy. Over half of those bankruptcies were because of medical expenses. Over half of the people who filed bankruptcy because of medical expenses had health insurance. Don’t we need to do something on health insurance reform? Of course we do.”

Harry Reid (D-NV), the Democratic Senate Majority Leader, Saturday, November 21st

14 November 2009

Town Committee Meets Thursday (11/19): Death Penalty Discussion On Tap

The Democratic Town Committee will meet Thursday, November 19th, at 7 p.m. at New Britain City Hall’s Room 504.

Representatives of the Connecticut Network Against the Death Penalty (CNADP) will be making a presentation and answering questions. Speakers will include Ben Jones, the executive director, and Juan Melendez, who spent almost 18 years on death row before being found innocent. The CNADP is a statewide organization that advocates for abolition and organize support activities for victims’ families.

Also on the agenda will be appointments to fill vacancies for Justices of the Peace.

An Appreciation Party for the 2009 municipal slate will follow at the Roma Restaurant on Allen Street.

Members and volunteers are invited to attend

All We Can Do Until 2012 Is Pray for Joe Lieberman

Constituents of U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman, the long ago co-founder of 60s’ statewide progressive Democratic organization (Caucus of CT Democrats), have turned to prayer vigils to convince the senator to support health care reform and a public option for the uninsured.

In a reversal from his 2006 campaign promises Lieberman has vowed to hold up legislation in the Senate that would ensure him more media face time and do the bidding of his friends in the Republican Party.

The Interfaith Fellowship for Universal Health Care will hold an Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Lieberman on Sunday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m.at Stamford High School (in Lieberman’s neighborhood), 55 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford, CT.

Organizers from "all walks of life and all faith traditions" are calling for Lieberman to support a strong public option and quality, affordable health care

“Our various faith traditions and our various experiences as pastors, rabbis, priests, imams and people of faith from all walks of life have taught us that no one should be left behind in receiving care that heals the body and quiets the mind.” said Efrain Agosto, Academic Dean, Hartford Seminary.

More information available at www.healthcare4every1.org or call (203) 639-0550

Memo to Harry Reid et al from New Britain: It’s time to do the reconciliation and adopt by majority vote.

Rep. O’Brien: “The work that we started this year is not over.”

State Rep. Tim O'Brien (D-24) expressed deep appreciation this week to the many people who supported his campaign for Mayor. "I want to give my thanks to everyone who helped with and supported our campaign to change New Britain for the better for everyone in our city," said O'Brien. "And I thank the thousands of people who came out to vote in hope for a brighter future for New Britain."

O'Brien added, "We should be proud of what we accomplished. We gave hope to thousands of people in our city that we can change things for the better - lowering unfair property taxes, improving education opportunities, improving neighborhoods and creating good paying jobs. Most of all, we spread hope that we, everyday people, working together as a community, can truly improve life for everyone in New Britain. What we started this year is genuinely good.”

O'Brien said that he plans to continue to advocate for the important changes his campaign championed. "The work that we started this year is not over. It is just beginning. We should keep building and organizing to win a brighter future for our city."

NB Politicus: Trash Talk From Mayor Sets Wrong Tone

Mayor Stewart began a new term this week with an official call for an "end to political warfare" between his office and the City Council, according to Courant coverage

And there was some high-minded rhetoric from Stewart to get things going:
"Today we stand at the threshold of becoming a new and exciting city, one that will be the centerpiece of central Connecticut — at the crossroads of prosperity and the future home of new and emerging workplaces for our citizens to grow and prosper. Our city has seen days of glory and days of decline, but surely our best days lie ahead of us."

At Thursday's first Council meeting Stewart urged civility, according to Jim Craven's story in the Herald under the headline "Stewart Demands Civility".

But Stewart's admonitions to the Democratic City Council were quickly contradicted in a series of published quotes from the Mayor in both daily newspapers: Council leaders Phil Sherwood and Mike Trueworthy are "hacks" , "carpetbaggers" and "liars" who will obstruct his agenda over the next few years.

READ the whole post at NB Politicus

Rep. O'Brien Congratulates Mayor; Renews Call For Positive Change

Rep. Tim O'Brien, the Democratic candidate for Mayor, congratulated Tim Stewart on the day of his inauguration and looked forward to continuing to advocate for the people of New Britain on the important issues.

"I congratulate Tim Stewart on his inaugural day," said Rep. O'Brien, "and give best wishes to him and his family in the coming years. I hope today is a joyous one for them."

O'Brien said he is happy to be continuing his work at the State Capitol. "As I said during the campaign, my passion for my work at the Capitol on behalf of the people I represent is as strong as it ever was."

"I am proud of what I have accomplished in the legislature," O'Brien added, "but there there are many more victories needed for the people I represent and I glad to be continuing that important work."

O'Brien expressed deep appreciation to the many people who supported his campaign for Mayor.

"I want to give my thanks to everyone who helped with and supported our campaign to change New Britain for the better for everyone in our city," said O'Brien. "And I thank the thousands of people who came out to vote in hope for a brighter future for New Britain."


O'Brien added, "We should be proud of what we accomplished. We gave hope to thousands of people in our city that we can change things for the better - lowering unfair property taxes, improving education opportunities, improving neighborhoods and creating good paying jobs."

"Most of all," O'Brien said, "we spread hope that we, everyday people, working together as a community, can truly improve life for everyone in New Britain. What we started this year is genuinely good."


O'Brien said that he plans to continue to advocate for the important changes his campaign championed. "The work that we started this year is not over. It is just beginning. We should keep building and organizing to win a brighter future for our city."

"Together, we can build a brighter future for New Britain," said O'Brien.

U.S. House Takes Step Toward Affordable Health Care
Rep. Murphy: “This bill starts the process of fixing it….”

By a razor thin margin (220-215) and only one Republican vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Affordable Health Care for America Act” Saturday (Nov. 7) with the support of U.S. Rep. Chris Murphy (D-5).

According to a statement released by Murphy’s office, affordable health insurance is slipping from the grasps of too many Connecticut residents. This summer, Connecticut's biggest insurer announced that it was increasing rates for individuals by over 30%. And a recent report by Families USA found that 28,100 Connecticut residents will lose their health coverage in 2009 as a result of losing their jobs. By the end of the year, Connecticut will be home to 303,000 uninsured adults, an increase of ten percent in just one year.

"Every night in this country, thousands of children go to sleep, sick in their bed because their mother couldn't afford to get them to the doctor. And every day, thousands more families file for bankruptcy, losing everything they own, because their loved one got sick and they couldn't afford the bills anymore. This is the most affluent, compassionate nation in the world, and it makes no sense that our health care system leaves so many behind. This bill starts the process of fixing it, for people in Connecticut and across the country," said Murphy.

The debate in the U.S. House included delaying and sometimes juvenile tactics by House Republicans but the measure passed after more than 14 hours. Proponents of the heavily-compromised bill cite the components of the legislation as a major step forward in the fight for universal and affordable coverage:

• reforms insurance law to stop discrimination based on pre-existing conditions;
• ends the practice of patients losing their insurance if they get too sick;
• provides tax credits for businesses that provide health insurance coverage to their employees;
• strengthens Medicare by beginning to close the prescription drug donut hole immediately, cutting co-payments for preventive services, and slashing waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare system; and
• reduces the deficit while covering 96% of Americans

The close House vote was attributable to some progressive Democrats opposing the measure for what they called a “weakened” public option. U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, a former Presidential candidate from Ohio’s 10th Congressional District, stated:

“But instead of working toward the elimination of for-profit insurance, H.R. 3962 would put the government in the role of accelerating the privatization of health care. In H.R. 3962, the government is requiring at least 21 million Americans to buy private health insurance from the very industry that causes costs to be so high, which will result in at least $70 billion in new annual revenue, much of which is coming from taxpayers. This inevitably will lead to even more costs, more subsidies, and higher profits for insurance companies — a bailout under a blue cross.”

Debate on the issue is far from over. The House-adopted bill now goes on to the U.S. Senate and a merged version of the legislation will be developed in a conference committee for a final vote.

City Government Begins Anew On Tuesday (Nov. 10)

Gov. M. Jodi Rell is scheduled to administer the oath of office to newly elected municipal officials on Tuesday in ceremonies to begin at 11 a.m. Trinity-On-Main Performing Arts Center in downtown New Britain. The public is invited to attend.

A Correction on Tuesday’s Municipal Election Numbers

The Nov. 7th New Britain Democrat e-letter incorrectly stated that 1,000 more voters voted in the Nov. 3 Municipal Election. The comment should have said:

Only 200 more voted this year compared to 2007 (9,006 to 8,808) making the turnout a paltry 27.86%. The lower percentage but slightly higher turnout is attributable to the "Obama bounce" of 2008. In 2007, there were 30,433 registered voters. This year enrollment was 32,323. The likelihood is that a few more percentage points would have led to a different outcome. The challenge remains: to encourage citizen participation at the local level where government can impact people the most.

End Quote for Veteran’s Day

“In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.” - Mark Twain

7 November 2009

From the Chair....

The 2009 Election

This is to thank candidates of all parties and volunteers for being a part of the municipal campaign this year.

Just 200 more people voted compared to 2007 (9,006 to 8,808) making the turnout a paltry 27.86%. The lower percentage but higher turnout is attributable to the "Obama bounce" of 2008. In 2007,there were 30,433 registered voters. This year enrollment was officially at 32,323. Anyone walking neighborhoods during this election, however, would find the official voter count to be inflated. The likelihood is that a few more percentage points would have led to a different outcome. The challenge remains: to encourage citizen participation at the local level where government can impact people the most.

Although 80 or so votes shy when the polls closed, Tim O'Brien delivered everything he could and led his party to retain a super majority on the Council.

Rep. O'Brien overcame unexpected adversity, an entrenched incumbent Mayor and a Republican noise machine full of slanderous and anonymous comment to get very close to victory. Throughout 2009 it was hard to find the GOP offering any ideas or substance to move the city forward. Tim Stewart is to be congratulated on his victory, but he knows once again the voters rejected his call to give him a rubber-stamp council. The election and campaign were last week. Next week it's time to govern in a spirit of mutual respect and what is in the best interests of the city.

Rick Lopes and Kate Breslin deserve praise for giving of their time, talent and tremendous organizational skills to the O'Brien campaign. Thanks to DTC member Sue McKinley and Vice Chair Bob Sanchez for their E-day organizing as well as all GOTV teams and volunteers.

Newcomers Marie Lausch and Carlos Pina, Jr.-- campaigning in the most Republican oriented area of the city -- waged positive and hard fought campaigns; we were fortunate to have them as part of the team and to join us as leaders who will be heard from again. Juan Verdu stepped into a void to run for Tax Collector and deserves special thanks for his efforts and for bringing out votes on Tuesday. Thanks to Laura Woodie for her close at large bid and another newcomer, Ryan Hurlburt, for his candidacy and new perspectives. Congratulations to City Treasurer Teresa Sapieha Yanchak and Town Clerk Peter Denuzze on their re-elections. Thanks to new Constables Mike Dagata and Sue Hodge for their efforts throughout the campaign.

Congratulations go to the new Democratic Council: Catanzaro, Magnuszewski and Trueworthy at large; Collins and Platosz (2), Black and Cruz (3), Hermanowski and Sherwood (4) and Carlozzi and Centeno (5). A heartfelt thanks to my alderwoman, Shirley Black, whose daily presence at headquarters set an example. Kudos to BOE President Sharon Beloin-Saavedra for her staunch support and ideas on education. And thanks to my neighbor, Phil Sherwood, for his guidance and support of all during the Democratic campaign and Mike Trueworthy for his support of the Council slate.

Next steps? We build a coalition based around the issues that Tim O'Brien raised in this campaign --- property tax relief, an education policy that addresses overcrowding and doesn't hold children hostage to the property tax, real blight enforcement, transparency in city government and creating a jobs-friendly climate for New Britain.

It's no time to rest or mourn. It is time to organize.

Historic Vote On Public Option Health Insurance Looms Today (Nov. 7) Call Now

The U.S. House's first full vote on health reform legislation may come today (Saturday, Nov. 7). It'll be the first time in more than 60 years that the full body votes on comprehensive reform with a close vote expected.

The insurance industry and their allies are putting extraordinary pressure on every representative to defeat H.R 3962. "We know that their expensive lobbyists will be dashing to each congressional office, attempting to twist arms. The only question is whether the phones will be ringing off the hook with constituents supporting reform while that happens," according to a statement from Organizing for America.

Reinforce support for a public option calling Cong. Murphy at 202-225-4476

Tell friends around the country to contact their U.S. Rep. immediately www.house.gov

For complete information on the legislation visit Cong. Chris Murphy's site at http://www.chrismurphy.house.gov/



End Quotes

Health care is a moral issue. It is viewed as a fundamental human right, not only advocated in Catholic Social Teaching but also in the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This right is reflected in the values of the economic systems of every western industrialized country except one, the United States of America. We are the only country among those 27 industrialized nations that does not provide universal health care. In contrast, our Church has been at the forefront of advocating for health care as a right for decades, including pastoral letters in 1981 and 1993.

from Catholic Democrats www.catholicdemocrats.org

2 November 2009

If You Want Change, It's Time To Get Out The Vote

From The Chair...

Election Day 2009 gives New Britain an opportunity to change leadership at City Hall and to move the city forward on many fronts.

With Rep.Tim O'Brien as the nominee, we have a candidate for Mayor whose record on the City Council and in the Legislature has been among the most progressive and reform-minded. As mayor, Tim O’Brien will make New Britain a better place to live; he will be a powerful voice on property tax reform, education funding, workplace rights, transparency at City Hall and reducing blight and disinvestment.

O'Brien, as he has said on the campaign trail many times, seeks to raise expectations for ourselves and this community. He has laid out constructive plans on reducing the property tax burden, reinvigorating a jobs and economic development strategy and letting the thousands of voters he has met know that his administration will be open and transparent. His opponent may boast that he "is" New Britain, but O'Brien, through words and deeds, has made it clear that he is "for" New Britain.

Your help and support is needed now. To volunteer in the effort to Get Out The Vote and elect Tim O'Brien and the Row B Democrats, please call the headquarters at 223-9125. It is located at 46 Broad Street. E-mail newbritaindemocrat@gmail.com

End Quote

“……New Britain certainly needs hope that we can change things for the better. So call me a "hope-monger," too, because I want New Britain to believe in itself again. That is why I want to ask you, all of you, and all the people of New Britain, to join with me in building a new future for our city." -
Rep. Tim O'Brien, Democratic candidate for Mayor, July 2009

For more information visit

www.timobrien.org

www.newbritaindemocrat.net

Campaign Update: Gourmet Pizza Party, Town Committee Meeting Thursday, 10/22

A gourmet pizza party, originally scheduled for Monday 10/19, will be held Thursday, Oct. 22nd, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Democratic headquarters 46 Broad Street. The suggested donation is $20 for the Town Committee event that will benefit GOTV activities for the Democratic candidates.

The Town Committee meeting will follow the party. On the agenda will be an update on the status of legislation on health coverage in Congress, an update on the municipal campaign and vacancies for Justices of the Peace

See you Thursday 10/22 to:

Get a lawn sign
Get literature to encourage your neighbors to vote Election Day, November 3rd
Make a donation



NBDTC Post Office Box 2112, New Britain , CT 06050
Labor donated by New Britain Democratic Town Committee.
John Valengavich Treasurer. Approved by John McNamara